Soap Retaining Washcloth

ABSTRACT

A soap retaining washcloth is provided. The device includes a front panel affixed to a rear panel along a lower edge and opposing lateral sides of each of the front panel and the rear panel defining a pocket having an open upper end. The pocket is dimensioned to receive a bar of soap therein. Each of the front panel and the rear panel include a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of layers includes a moisture absorbent layer, a bactericidal material layer, and an abrasive material layer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/060,858 filed on Aug. 4, 2020. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to washcloths. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a washcloth having an interior volume configured to retain a bar of soap therein.

Many individuals utilize bar soap when bathing, washing their hands, or other cleaning activities. However, bar soap is prone to several disadvantages. For example, between uses, bars of soap are typically rested on a dish or counter adjacent to a sink. As such, dirt, grime, or other contaminates from the surface or surrounding area can reduce the quality of the soap. Additionally, bars of soap can be prone to erosion over time, such as from soap residue buildup on the support surface, which can reduce the lifetime of the bar of soap. As such, the bar of soap must be replaced more frequently leading to increased cost to the user. Furthermore, the soap residue build up must be frequently cleaned, which can be frustrating. As the bar of soap erodes, the structural integrity of the soap can be affected, causing the bar of soap to crumble into several separate pieces which can be difficult to manage. As a result, individuals often discard these fragmented bars of soap, leading to more frequent soap replacement and increasing overall costs to the individual. Finally, often bars of soap become difficult to handle while bathing resulting in droppages that can damage the soap, or potentially cause injury when a user attempts to retrieve the fallen bar of soap. Therefore, a device that can retain a bar of soap therein to prevent waste and ensure that the user maintains a grip on the bar of soap is desired.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing washcloths. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of washcloths now present in the known art, the present invention provides a washcloth having an interior volume wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when retaining soap within the washcloth to facilitate efficient bathing.

The present system comprises a front panel affixed to a rear panel along a lower edge and opposing lateral sides of each of the front panel and the rear panel defining a pocket having an open upper end. The pocket is dimensioned to receive a bar of soap therein. Each of the front panel and the rear panel comprise a plurality of layers including a moisture absorbent layer, a bactericidal material layer, and an abrasive material layer.

In some embodiments, the moisture absorbent material layer is disposed on an interior surface of each of the front panel and the rear panel. In another embodiment, the bactericidal material layer is disposed between the moisture absorbent material layer and the abrasive material layer. In other embodiments, a fastener is disposed on the open upper end of the pocket. In yet another embodiment, the fastener comprises a zipper having a first zipper portion disposed on an upper edge of the front panel and a second zipper portion disposed on an upper edge of the rear panel, wherein the first zipper portion removably secures to the second zipper portion. In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a drawstring disposed about the open upper end, wherein the drawstring selectively closes the open upper end when actuated. In another embodiment, the drawstring is disposed within a channel defined through the open upper end of the pocket. In other embodiments, a spring-biased toggle is selectively movable along the drawstring, wherein the spring-biased toggle retains the open upper end in a closed configuration. In yet another embodiment, the fastener comprises complementary hook and loop fasteners disposed on an interior surface of each of the front panel and the rear panel along an upper edge thereof. In some embodiments, a loop is affixed to an upper edge of the pocket. In another embodiment, a hook is affixed to an upper edge of the pocket, In other embodiments, the abrasive material layer comprises a sponge, In yet another embodiment, the abrasive material layer comprises terrycloth. In some embodiments, the abrasive material layer comprises a plurality of folded fabric members defining a loofah. In another embodiment, the plurality of folded fabric members comprises a mesh.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth with a bar of soap.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a zipper fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a drawstring fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth.

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of hook and loop fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the soap retaining washcloth. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth with a bar of soap. The soap retaining washcloth 11 comprises a front panel 12 affixed to a rear panel 13 along each opposing lateral side 15 of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13 and along a lower edge 14 of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13. As the front and rear panels 12, 13 are affixed along the opposing lateral sides 15 and the lower edges 14, an open upper end 16 is formed providing access to an interior volume of the soap retaining washcloth 11. In this manner, the front and rear panels 12, 13 define a pocket 17 dimensioned to receive a bar of soap 18 therein. As such, the user can replace and contain the bar of soap 18 within the soap retaining washcloth 11 to maximize the lifetime of the bar of soap 18, while the front and rear panels 13 are water permeable to allow the user to transfer a lather generated within the pocket 17 to an exterior of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13. In some embodiments, the open upper end 16 further comprises a fastener thereon, wherein the fastener is configured to selectively close the open upper end 16 to place the pocket 17 in a closed configuration. As such, the bar of soap 18 can be retained therein. In some embodiments, the pocket 17 comprises a height of approximately four inches and a width of approximately two inches.

The front and rear panels 12, 13 further include an abrasive external layer shown in FIG. 3, 22), wherein the abrasive external layer is contemplated to include a variety of abrasive materials commensurate with the capability to exfoliate, scrub, and otherwise clean skin. In the shown embodiment, the abrasive external layer comprises a terrycloth material to replicate the effectiveness of a traditional washcloth. Alternate abrasive materials are further described elsewhere herein. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, a loop 33 is affixed to the open upper end 16 of the soap retaining washcloth 11 along one lateral side 15 thereof. The loop 33 facilitates hanging the soap retaining washcloth 11 from a support surface between uses, thereby exposing a larger surface area to open air allowing the soap retaining washcloth 11 to more efficiently dry.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, there is shown a perspective view of a zipper fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth, a perspective view of a drawstring fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth, and a perspective view of a hook and loop fastener of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the open upper end 16 is selectively closable via a zipper 25, wherein a first zipper portion 26 is disposed across an upper edge 28 of the front panel 12 and a second zipper portion 27 is disposed across the upper edge 28 of the rear panel 13. The first and second zipper portions 26, 27 are removably securable together to enclose the pocket 17 in a closed configuration via actuation of a zipper toggle. In some embodiments, the zipper 25 provides a watertight seal when in the closed configuration such that water is forced to pass through only the front and rear panels 12, 13 of the device. In this manner, as the water moves through the front and rear panels 12, 13, the water and any lather generated by the soap must pass through a bactericidal material layer (as shown in FIG. 3, 21), such that the water is sufficiently disinfected before contacting the user.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the front and rear panels 12, 13 comprise a plurality of folded fabric members 34 thereon, wherein the plurality of folded fabric members 34 define a loofah to facilitate exfoliation of a user's skin. In some embodiments, the plurality of folded fabric members 34 further comprise a mesh material to increase abrasive and exfoliating qualities of the front and rear panels 12, 13, while the plurality of openings in the mesh material facilitates greater lather generation. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, a hook 35 is affixed to the open upper end of the device similar to the loop as previously described. The hook 35 provides an alternate hanging method for facilitating drying of the soap retaining washcloth.

In the shown embodiment of FIG. 2B, the fastener comprises a drawstring 29 disposed about the open p end 16 of the pocket 17, wherein the drawstring 29 extends through a channel 30 disposed about a circumference of the open upper end 16. The drawstring 29 is configured to constrict the open upper end 16 to place the pocket 17 int eh closed configuration to retain the bar of soap therein. In the shown embodiment, the drawstring 29 further comprises a spring-biased toggle 31 disposed over the drawstring 29, wherein the spring-biased toggle 31 retains the drawstring 29 in the constricted configuration. The spring-biased toggle 31 comprises a body having an aperture therethrough, where the drawstring 29 extends through the aperture. The aperture is biased towards a reduced diameter via a spring-biased button, such that the aperture engages the drawstring 29, whereupon actuation of the spring-biased button, the aperture widens to disengage the drawstring 29 and allow the spring-biased toggle 31 to slide along the drawstring 29, In this manner, the user can selectively close the pocket 17 to varying degrees of closure as necessary to retain the bar of soap therein.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2C, the fastener comprises a pair of complementary hook and loop fasteners 32 disposed on an interior surface 23 of the pocket 17 at the open upper end 16. The complementary hook and loop fasteners 32 removably secure to each other to place the pocket 17 in the closed configuration to retain the bar of soap within the pocket 17. In some embodiments, the complementary hook and loop fasteners 32 extend along an entirety of the interior surface 23 of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13, such that the entirety of the open upper end 16 is secured together. In this manner, as the bar of soap degrades and fragments, the individual fragments of soap are retained within the pocket 17.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the soap retaining washcloth. The soap retaining washcloth further comprises a plurality of layers including an absorbent material layer 20, a bactericidal material layer 21, and an abrasive material layer 22. The abrasive material layer 22 is disposed on an exterior surface of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13, wherein the abrasive material layer 22 is configured to facilitate scrubbing and exfoliation of a user's skin during use. The abrasive material layer 22 is contemplated to include terrycloth, sponge material, a loofah configuration, or another material having similar abrasive qualities. In the shown embodiment the absorbent material layer 21 is disposed on the interior surface of each of the front and rear panels 12, 13, wherein the absorbent material layer is configured to retain water therein for facilitating lather generation at the bar of soap disposed within the pocket 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the bactericidal material layer 21 is disposed between the absorbent material layer 20 and the abrasive material layer 22. In this manner, water from within the pocket 17 or exterior to the pocket 17 must pass through the bactericidal material layer 21 as it transitions through the front and rear panels 12, 13 of the device. The bactericidal material layer 21 is contemplated to comprise a material impregnated with a disinfectant, antiseptic, or other such active bactericidal substance, such that bacteria passing therethrough are eliminated. Alternatively, passive bactericidal materials may be utilized, such as a material having a plurality of metallic nanoparticles distributed therethrough, as metallic nanoparticles have been shown to eliminate bacteria. In this manner, bacteria passing through the bactericidal material layer 21 is eliminated, thereby reducing the risk of infection to the user.

In one use, a bar of soap is inserted into the soap retaining washcloth via the open upper end. Once placed therein, the open upper end can be placed in the closed configuration via actuation of the fastener disposed thereon. As previously described, the fastener can comprise a variety of formats to provide a desired benefit. After securing the bar of soap within the pocket 17, the user can introduce water to the soap retaining washcloth, such that the water is in contact with the bar of soap. The user can then generate a lather that permeates through the front and rear panels 12, 13 of the device to be used during bathing. As the water and lather pass through the bactericidal material layer 21, any bacteria present on the bar of soap or inherently present in the water are eliminated, thereby reducing the risk of infection to the user. The abrasive material layer 22 can further be utilized to scrub or exfoliate the user's skin. Once the user is finished bathing, the device can be suspended from the loop or hook as previously described to facilitate efficient and effective drying between uses.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A soap retaining washcloth, comprising: a front panel affixed to a rear panel along a lower edge and opposing lateral sides of each of the front panel and the rear panel defining a pocket having an open upper end; wherein the pocket is dimensioned to receive a bar of soap therein; wherein each of the front panel and the rear panel comprise a plurality of layers; wherein the plurality of layers includes a moisture absorbent material layer, a bactericidal material layer, and an abrasive material layer.
 2. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the moisture absorbent material layer is disposed on an interior surface of each of the front panel and the rear panel.
 3. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the bactericidal material layer is disposed between the absorbent material layer and the abrasive material layer.
 4. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, further comprising a fastener disposed on the open upper end of the pocket.
 5. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 4, wherein the fastener comprises a zipper having a first zipper portion disposed on an upper edge of the front panel and a second zipper portion disposed on an upper edge of the rear panel, wherein the first zipper portion removably secures to the second zipper portion.
 6. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 4, wherein the fastener comprises a drawstring disposed about the open upper end, wherein the drawstring selectively doses the open upper end when actuated.
 7. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 6, wherein the drawstring is disposed within a channel defined through the open upper end of the pocket.
 8. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 6, further comprising a spring-biased toggle selectively movable along the drawstring, wherein the spring-biased toggle retains the open upper end in a closed configuration.
 9. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 4, wherein the fastener comprises complementary hook and loop fasteners disposed on an interior surface of each of the front panel and the rear panel along an upper edge thereof.
 10. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, further comprising a loop affixed to an upper edge of the pocket.
 11. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, further comprising a hook affixed to an upper edge of the pocket.
 12. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material layer comprises a sponge.
 13. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material layer comprises terrycloth.
 14. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material layer comprises a plurality of folded fabric members defining a loofah.
 15. The soap retaining washcloth of claim 14, wherein the plurality of folded fabric members comprises a mesh. 